West Vancouver to ‘humanely euthanize’ American bullfrogs

The District of West Vancouver will shine a light at bullfrogs, momentarily blind then and then catch as many tadpoles and adult frogs from ponds. They will be ‘humanely euthanized’ later.

The District of West Vancouver will conduct an American bullfrog population control pilot program in Ambleside Park this summer.

American bullfrogs are invasive predators that have become established in some wetland areas in the District of West Vancouver. Bullfrogs are one of the most damaging of alien species: they can cause the extinction of native frogs, will eat insects, birds and small mammals, causing substantial ecological decline.

According to the district, their harmful influence on the native ecosystem requires control of their expanding population in the district. Bullfrog populations have become established in B.C. in the Lower Mainland, Lasqueti Island, and Vancouver Island as far north as Campbell River and have been also reported in the South Okanagan.

These frogs were brought to B.C. by would-be frog farmers in the 1930s and 40s, and have spread under their own power or with more human assistance since then. Bullfrogs emerge from hibernation or torpor in the spring, becoming most active in midsummer (June and July) during their breeding season.

The loud booming calls of breeding males can be heard up to a kilometre away. If you find bullfrogs, the district would like you to report any new colonies to the provincial wildlife database.

The district would also remind to the public that they are considered wildlife in BC, and it is illegal under the Wildlife Act to capture, transport, keep or sell them.